Introduction
Benedict Pictet (1655–1724) was a Swiss Reformed theologian.
Life
He was born at Geneva on 30 May 1655. After receiving a university education there, he made an extensive tour of Europe. He then assumed pastoral duties at Geneva, and in 1686 was appointed professor of theology. He died there on 10 June 1724.
Works
In the area of systematic theology, Pictet published two major works:
- Theologia Christiana (3 vols., Geneva, 1696; Eng. transl., Christian Theology, London, 1834, by Frederick Reyroux); and
- Morale chrétienne (2 vols., 1692).
He sought to revive the old orthodox theology, but was unable to prevent the Genevan Company of Pastors from adopting a new formula of subscription in 1706.
Pictet was also known as Christian poet, some his hymns being included in French hymnals. Other works were Huit sermons sur Vexamen des religions (3d ed., Geneva, 1716; Eng. transl., True and False Religion examined; the Christian Religion defended; and the Protestant Reformation vindicated, Edinburgh, 1797, by Archibald Bruce) and Dialogue entre un catholique et un protestant (1713; Eng. transl., Romanist Conversations, London, 1826 by Henry Huntingford).